The area was known as "Threlfall" in the Domesday Book.[1] A tiny 27×13-foot private chapel was built for the Threlfall family in Elizabethan times, and was rebuilt as St James' Church about 1738.[2] The churchyard contains a sundial dated 1745 which is a Grade II listed building.[3]

The name "Whitechapel" came into use in the early nineteenth century, named after the church. It was originally a part of Goosnargh ecclesiastical parish, but acquired independent parish status in 1846.[2]

The village primary school originated in 1705, within the church, acquiring its own building in 1810.[4]

On Pancake Day the children of Whitechapel, Inglewhite and the surrounding area keep alive an age-old tradition that was once more widespread in the Goosnargh, Garstang and Fylde areas of Lancashire.[5] They visit local households and ask "please a pancake", to be rewarded with oranges or sweets. It is thought the tradition arose when farm workers visited the wealthier farm and manor owners to ask for pancakes or pancake fillings.[6][7] In 1888, Richard Cookson wrote, "The children go from house to house and are treated with ginger-bread, toffies and other sweet meats."[8]

WICE (Whitechapel and Inglewhite Community Enterprises) is a community organisation to enable a sustainable and resilient community.